Celebrity POP – Social Buzz – Upbeat Vibe

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Who was that little girl at the recent Art auction? The viral video showed Blue-Ivy Carter sitting with her celebrity parents Beyoncé and Jay-Z at a charity event. She placed a bid on a picture of Sidney Poitier that had folks laughing. It even caught Tyler Perry’s attention since he wanted to have that picture.

Perry told the story during media rounds for his upcoming movie Acrimony which stars Taraji P. Henson. The movie’s title turns out to be one of the most online-searched words this month. Perry teamed-up with Henson for this epic project because he envisioned her as the ‘black Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction.’

You can imagine what it was like filming this movie in eight days. Word has it that the universe was created in seven days so this project may be of epic proportions coming on the heels of Easter. Henson also returns to the TV screen as Cookie on Empire for which she’s still about doing big things.

What it takes to be epic is a story Perry and Henson know well. In the professional world it’s about knowing your ‘main thing’ and supporting it with your favorite ‘sides’ or side-hustle. Think of it the way you enjoy a meal. There’s the main thing you’re good at and the supporting side-skills to round-out the work.

Perry and Henson have used their talents to land bigger roles, raising their market appeal to a higher level. In addition to working with the OWN Network, Perry has signed production deals with other outlets. It’s like an alphabet soup of TBS, OWN and BET. Their inspiring stories are rich in the success mix of:

Faith for the next mountain to climb

Perry recently shared how the Black Panther movie was one of the many showbiz projects shot at his Atlanta studios. The site was an old military base that’s been transformed into ‘Hollywood South.’ How do you go from ‘dead to alive’ in any aspect of career, biz or life? Perry might say it takes mustard seed faith.

Passion for the next road to travel

There were times life presented Perry and Henson with options for the next road to travel. It might be a new project assignment, a new lane in business or a new lease on life. They’ve found the passion for the next road to travel and even for the road less travelled. That’s a choice people make to become epic.

Savvy for the next dollar to make

Perry shared how he was watching TV news and heard the word ‘acrimonious’ used in a certain context. He decided to look up the meaning. Then the light bulb went off in his head to put a different spin on the word for his movie title. Professional savvy is about using a skill or applying a concept in another context.

Smile for the next advice to give

Sometimes when comedians tell jokes they do it with a straight face. There’s a certain seriousness that adds to the punch line. There’re also times when the impact is best made with a smile. Perry and Henson have a way of doing the same when sharing their stories with a little advice thrown in for good measure.

Maybe that’s what was memorable about Blue-Ivy placing her bid. From the looks on her parents’ faces and hers as well, folks weren’t sure if she was serious or playing. But Perry had his mind made up. Like his Madea role, he was seriously-funny about getting his hands on the picture and landing it with a smile.

Tip: When it comes to doing big things in 3 days, 8 days or the rest of your days you might need a mix of faith, passion, savvy and a smile.

2018 ThemeThe Year of ‘Got Shine?’
Where The Things You Know and How You Flow Bring More Star Power for Sure

The anticipation is building for the next release from MCU – Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s the latest Super Hero character known as the Black Panther. Lots of celebs got to see the first screening in person. The reviews have been filled with superlatives as if it’s a preview for going from block to blockbuster.

Then of-course there’s Beyoncé and her Grammy-chic appearance. She wasn’t up for any awards but as usual made an iconic fashion statement. Boseman plays the role of king in the upcoming movie. Beyoncé rocks the title of queen in pop culture. But it’s their personal expressions that deliver creative excellence.

The Black Panther storyline has themes that make each character’s greatness come alive. Whether it’s in action-moves of a super hero, amazing plays in the Superbowl or breakthroughs on the field of dreams, the path to greatness comes alive in two success modes, Lifestyle and Lifetrack. They make things pop.

Boseman and Beyoncé have used these on the path to greatness. For Boseman it’s taken a few roles that weren’t crossover but were a stepping stone. For Beyoncé, it’s in her creative relevance and how she goes from ‘nothing to something’ artistically. Their amazing work sends chills or makes you wanna chill.

Who they are, what they do and how they flow are the sum total of how they express themselves. It’s the combination of their creative excellence and creative relevance that make them special. When things come together it’s like magic which might explain how their success keeps rising to the ceiling.

Over the years my dream has gone through a few climbs from sun-up to sun-down. Feedback from others has helped to tighten things up. The magic for writing this blog has gone from good to better. But the playbook that Boseman & Beyoncé have used on becoming their best seems to go something like this:

Conceive and go from zero to breakout move.

Boseman and Beyoncé have different stories for how they’ve built their movie/music careers. One thing common to both is first seeing themselves doing what they’re doing now. They conceived it in their minds-eye and visualized it in their imaginations. Then after a while, things went from zero to breakout move.

Believe and go from a ‘nobody’ to a rising ‘somebody.’

The space between what they visualized and what they delivered is in how they believed in themselves and in what’s possible. This helped Beyoncé go from singing in her living room to performing on the world stage. Not every dream goes that big. But dreams take you from a ‘nobody’ to a rising ‘somebody.’

Achieve and go from bottom-stack to top-rack.

Every time you achieve something there’s usually a lesson and a lift. The lesson comes from looking at the ups and downs to get there. The lift comes from seeing where you are compared to where you once were. Maybe that’s why Boseman’s big screen roles and Beyoncé’s showbiz journey are so exciting.

Receive and go from nomination to coronation.

Beyond the obvious star power, some think the movie should get nominations for the creative costumes, special effects or music soundtrack. Well just like in the movies, character development and creative genius have meant a lot to Boseman and Beyoncé. It’s taken them from nomination to coronation.

We celebrate them for making us want to sing, dance or feel like kings and queens. We emulate them in striving to better our game or biggup our name. Their hopes and dreams have found the path to greatness not by chance but by a playbook for creative brilliance that has helped make them famous.

Tip: Creative brilliance in your career grind and life dreams needs creative excellence to make you awesome and creative relevance to make you special.

Talkback: How will Boseman’s new role in Black Panther help better his game or biggup his name?

Wait, how’m I gonna start this blog? That’s a question that gets asked every week. With so much to write about in celebrity pop it’s a matter of bringing the right vibe. It makes sense then how Eminem would start his freestyle rap that way. For him it’s a case of lyrical content with the right touch of street cred.

When it comes to US Men’s Soccer star Christian Pulisic some say he’s got next. Not in the rap game but as the face of the game. It’s true, professional dreams in the biz world don’t all take rap skills or great foot-work. But there’s usually something that moves star power to a new level of GB – ‘Game Bonafide.’

That’s kinda what went down with Eminem’s rap cypher on the BET Awards. Some think he’s on a comeback after being off the radar for a minute. He’s not retired, he’s just re-wired. Maybe this says something about what happens when your flow gets bumped. Things either become a hit or take a hit.

In political terms it’s said that after a good debate performance a candidate is likely to get a ‘bump’ in their poll numbers. It usually means more people are feeling the message or the messenger. That happens in how they might make a strong point or deliver a wow-like performance.

Folks are raving on social media how Eminem did that. He brought strong points and a wow performance that left memorable moments. He even shows how to move your career track or biz dream forward by having a spinoff of your vision. Shady hasn’t let his mojo get stumped or his mass-appeal get dumped.

It’s interesting that his rap cypher is called ‘The Storm.’ That’s a metaphor of-course for the current political climate. But it might also be how Pulisic and his teammates are feeling after not qualifying for the soccer World Cup. If they could have even pulled-out a draw in the match they would have advanced.

Soccer federation honchos are probably looking at how they’ll ‘right the ship’ after the disappointment. It’s like when a biz dream or project team goes through some kind of setback. Who knows if it’s just a matter of taking care of the little things that has had Eminem staying low. But now he’s back for another go.

One of the biggest setbacks in my dream journey was while hosting a community radio show on a college station. It was in year five as things were coming together. Then one morning some dude shuts down the power while I’m on air. It was where I not only took a hit but decided I was no longer gonna take that..

Pulisic might be having a similar ‘sick feeling’ right now. The sting of disappointment is sometimes felt for a while. But there’s something that happens in those down times that moves things from the brink to a place of clearer think. Plus, it’ll pave the way for Pulisic to bring more edge to his game as with Eminem.

In pro sports you hear players being sent down to the minor leagues or brought up from the practice squad. Those who’re sent back have things to work on while those brought up are ready for the big-times. But along the way you’ll either take a hit or become a hit especially when you put your dreams on the line.

Tip: As you upgrade the flow in your career or dreams you’ll either take a hit or become a hit.

Talkback: How’d you describe the edge that Eminem or Pulisic bring to make them ‘Game Bonafide?’

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny? (Or Just Fun!)

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

The NY Media world is trying to keep a steady hand these days. With different personalities coming and going, the industry shot callers are busy shifting things. There’s word that Megyn Kelly will soon be back on air. While Steve Harvey and Kenan Thompson are too hot to trot, tame or slow down anytime soon.

Harvey’s busy moving and shaking while Thompson is holding it down at SNL. In a HuffPost interview he said “I thought that SNL was just going to be that bridge into being an adult actor. They’ve not only been a bridge. They’ve been a [beep] highway for me.” A little bend and big break have helped their careers rise.

They know ‘top-dog’ ratings can be good for business. Harvey recently announced the return of Showtime at the Apollo as a weekly show coming soon. He plans to re-launch his daytime Talk Show from LA this fall. Thompson is one of the longest-running SNL performers, all of this from turning talent into comedy.

But what seems to add to their longevity is a knack for turning talent into options. Thompson plays different sketch-comedy stage roles on SNL. Harvey’s gone from the stand-up comedy stage and now hosts different roles on TV. It’s like that old story of putting talent to work so that it multiplies and flies.

One of the signature skits by Thompson is playing Harvey on Family Feud. It’s art imitating life in a fun and natural way. That’s how they use their talent to pull on the purse-strings in the marketplace. Their comedy is more than pulling a puppet on a string. It’s in how their skills brings praises many people sing.

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

NY Media world trying to be steady. These days they gotta be ready. Different folks coming and going. Industry shot callers doing the wooing. Word that Megyn Kelly set to appear. Back on mainsteam TV air. While Steve Harvey & Kenan Thompson keep rollin. Too hot to trot, tame or keep from slowin’.

Harvey busy moving and shaking. Thompson holding it down at SNL taping. Telling HuffPost about his days. Before people knew the role he plays. Thinking SNL could be a bridge in time. To adult actor in his prime. Not only has it been a start. But also a bend, big break to raise career part.

With ‘top-dog’ ratings in the biz. Going from nobody to somebody, gee whiz. Showtime Apollo return coming soon. Weekly show on Harvey-TV tune. Re-launch of daytime TV show. From Chicago to LA studio. Thompson as an SNL act for years. Using talent to climb the comedy stairs.

Longevity seems to be their knack. Turning talent into options pack. Thompson in different sketch-comedy roles. Harvey from stand-up to inspiring souls. Thompson as characters into which he flows. Harvey as host on so many shows. Like the old story where talent multiplies. One gig at a time it flies.

Signature skit Thompson might score most. Is playing Harvey as Family Feud host. Art imitating life in fun way. As natural as it gets any given day. Talent to pull purse strings in marketplace. Comedy to put a laugh on people’s face. More than pulling a puppet string. Their skills bring praises many people sing.

Tip: A ‘top-dog’ in biz knows hot to turn talent into options for pulling purse-strings in the marketplace.

Talkback: What SNL actor/skit takes the prize for having the most wit & laughs?

This production of “Wise-up Weekly” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (Old-School Flava)

It’s another birthday year for Michael Jordan who turned 54. In many eyes he’s the reigning all-time best in NBA play. Fans hoped to see some of that at the recent All-star game as things went jazzy in New Orleans. While the game had some folks sighing, Anthony Davis & Lebron James were the ones shining.

Post-game chatter is overall play was a joke. According to USA Today even Kyrie Irving chimed in saying “It’s all in good fun, but I definitely think that, if we want a competitive game, guys will probably have to talk about it before the game.” It’s things people talk about to bring ‘more game & less lame’ to the office.

The all-star showcase features athletes who know what ‘good-better-yes’ looks like and what winning feels like. It’s where fun is plenty, boos are rare and thrills are high. Plus in the days of Jordan & Magic we’d see how pros excel in stepping out of their heads and into the zone by having a picture of the goal.

Some sports analysts wonder if that mindset is getting lost in the fat-check world of the league. What many remember and point back to is how in the Jordan era athletes would work hard and play smart to get the best out of their effort. They’d give us lots of dunks but not slack-off on playing a complete game.

Cheers were heard when Durant and Westbrook connected on a tag-team score. Then we saw the high-fives. If for nothing else, the best plays in a game or at the office are those where players bring it as go-getters and team players. Maybe next time in L.A. Irving says ‘let’s groove’ they’ll picture it like pure gold.

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Hotstepping’ – Get Jiggy, Get Woke!”A Cool Way for Flexing Style, Game & Soul in How We Roll (New-School Flava)

Another b-day for air Mike. Turned 84, no 54 psyche! For many he’s the real MVP. All-time best in scoring spree. True fans hoped they’d get. A game where players would sweat. Things were jazzy in Pelican town. Lots of celebs hung around. Some folks were kinda sighing. But Davis & James did their shining.

Past-game chatter on overall play. It was a joke is what some say. Even Kyrie Irving chimed-in a bit. On looking for good fun and no sh**. For all-star game to come alive. Players gotta show-up with no jive. Talk before tip-off makes it good. For ‘more game & and less lame’ like they should.

All-star showcase of athletic feats. Dudes from local and foreign streets. Those who know about ‘good-better-yes.’ With winning as a way to bless. Fun is plenty, boos are rare. Thrill are high like they don’t care. Plus in days of Jordan & Magic we’d see. Them be in the zone of goals running free.

Sports gurus wonder out loud. If mindset has become to proud. Getting lost in the fat-check digits. But reduced play and passion so midget. When Jordan and them did their thing. It was more than just about the ring. Work hard, play smart the same. Lots of dunks and a complete game.

Cheers heard for Durant & Westbrook score. With tag-team pass and shot on the floor. Then the high-fives made it feel. Like they were keeping it real. Why best plays in game from go-getters. Are like best work at office of team players. Maybe next time before Irving is old. He’ll say ‘lets’ groove’ for pure gold.

Tip: The best game in town is where team players are set, goals are reached and new victories are won.

Talkback: What are people saying about the level of play at the recent NBA All-Star game?

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

It’s been almost a year since Serena Williams lost at the U.S. Open. She was going for her 22nd grand slam win. Well, she just made up for that at Wimbledon. It’s been a year since Misty Copeland was named first ABT black principal dancer. Williams & Copeland are happy to let their bodies do the stroking.

Williams was cheered for doing what few others have. While Copeland told NBC News “I’m giving people hope that you don’t have to fit into this mold of what society has cut out for you in order to succeed.” They show us top 2 reasons for stepping out of the ‘comfort zone’ box that keeps fresh passion locked away.

Williams’ journey is one that came straight outta Compton. Not many expected her tennis greatness to rise from there. It was a matter of turning the game into her gateway. Now she’s ranked #1 in the world. Instead of getting caught-up with people talking about her body, she’s just taking care of business.

Copeland shared how she got her start at a Boys & Girls Club. It took a while to accept who she was and what she could be. But with the help of parents, mentors and pop culture idols she found the nerve to zoom past the curve. She pondered if it would happen and then realized it was up to her to stay in drive.

After her Wimbledon win Williams told reporters “This tournament I came in with a different mindset. I needed to be calm and be confident and play the tennis I’ve been playing for well over a decade.” It might have taken an empire state of mind to get a grip on things. Even so, the proof is in her body of work.

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

Been a year since ‘Rena lost. Going for record books at all cost. Played US Open on American soil. Now winning 22nd slam in Wimbledon toil. Misty a year later after new ABT role. Kinda speaks to the human soul. Both happy to let their bodies do the stroking. Whether on dance floor or tennis court just joking.

Serena cheered for joining the few. Reaching where others wish they knew. Misty doing her thing to spread hope. Not being tied-down by the rope. To fit what society wants to feed. Into the mold for folks to succeed. Top 2 reasons for stepping out ‘comfort zone’ box. For fresh passion that’s smart as a fox.

Serena had days on the Compton way. As dad took them out to play. Not many saw tennis greatness to be fair. But it sure did rise from there. By turning the game into her gateway. So that she can bring-it everyday. Now top ranked among her peers. Not body-shamed but doing things to shift gears.

Misty had share of feeling the rub. Got her start at a Boys & Girls Club. Took a while to see her diamond self. Which kept her mojo on the shelf. With help of friends and family crew. Started to see her possibilities anew. Found the nerve to stay in drive. Zoom past the curve to her next high five.

After Wimbledon win Serena speaks. With broad smile across her cheeks. Saying she came in with different mindset. Not getting lost in the moment’s jet-set. Calm and confident from over a decade. Is how championship tennis gets played. An empire state of mind to get a grip. Her body of work to let it rip.

Tip: Stepping out the comfort zone and stepping up to the challenge takes getting a grip and letting things rip.

Talkback: Which should people be talking about: Serena’s body or her body of work?

This production of “Wise-up Wednesdays” Blogcast by Douette ‘Doc’ Cunningham is a presentation in “social media entertainment from the groove-track of life!” #WUWECAST

LOL Tube – Got Funny?

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”A New Way to Shine with Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (Old-School Flava)

It seems President Obama is in legacy mode. It’s a bookend to those earlier days of being in campaign mode. So he recently addressed youth activists in London, sharing his take on making a difference. It might be said he’s bringing the KoolAid while Beyoncé is selling ‘Lemonade’ on the world stage.

In his cool-cat manner he told the activists “You have a responsibility to prepare an agenda that is achievable —that can institutionalize the changes you seek and to engage the other side.” Prez and Bey show us how game changers add the price tag of hustle and the cost of living to grow their ranking.

As his presidency unwinds, he shared some good pointers for workers, movers & shakers. He reflected on the difference between making noise and making waves. Just as the ocean teaches us, there’s a consistency that flows from the deep to the shallow. So it’s more than making a living, it’s modeling a life.

With her newest album release in a HBO video-diary, she’s a game changer who reminds us that it’s more than just making music but also making others wiser. As millennials pass baby boomers in census numbers maybe there’s a shift in using her own journey and story to stir-up a stream of consciousness.

The buzz since the album release has been off the charts. Both Prez and Bey are using their work to make it worth something. Things can feel stuck when we just get by or if the soul don’t dream no more. They show us how our efforts become worthy of more by moving from merely brand force to soul force.

Theme:– “The Year of ‘Flashlighting’ – Get Seen!”A New Way to Shine With Highlights, Insights and Media-bites that’s Exciting (New-School Flava)

Seems Prez Obama in legacy mode. Before his term hits the road. A bookend to those earlier days. When his campaign the roof did raise. Telling youth activists in London spot. On making a difference and doing it hot. On world stage Obama brings KoolAid. While Beyoncé sells her brand of ‘Lemonade.’

A cool-cat telling activists as Prez. To have an agenda he says. Something achievable in change they seek. Not for the faint of heart or unduly meek. A way to bring it to the masses. So they don’t look like asses. Prez and Bey add hustle to cost of living. As game changers who grow their ranking.

His term during its unwind. Sends message for the work grind. Not just about making noise. Even if doing it with poise. But also in making waves. That’s the stuff that attracts raves. As the ocean teaches us all. Consistency flow from deep to shallow fall. From making a living to modeling a higher call.

With newest album release as video diary. Beyonce brings it to the Beyhive community. A game changer’s next groove beyond the music. Lose yourself but be wiser beyond the tunic. Forget ‘bout Becky who others want to see. In setting a stream of consciousness free.

Album buzz been off the charts. As she reaches music lover’s hearts. Prez and Bey using their work track. To be worth something more than being black. At times things can feel stuck. Trying to get by on making a buck. A move to be worthy beyond brand force. To efforts being guided by soul force.

Tip: Great achievers move things in life from brand force to soul force as if going from regular to rock star.

Talkback: How’s ‘Lemonade’ a new Beyoncé or a new version of the old Bey?